About Wellness Corporate Solutions

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Getting Accurate Results: Fingerstick vs. Venipuncture

As a biometric screening vendor, we're often asked whether we recommend the fingerstick screening method -- requiring only a few drops of blood from a fingertip -- or the venipuncture method, which involves taking a vial of blood from the arm.

Fingerstick offers several advantages that make it our most popular screening method. First, most people find it less invasive and painful. But perhaps more importantly, results are available immediately. That means we can provide health education at the screening when participants are most receptive.

On the other hand, venipuncture does offer a wide range of screening options. So if you're interested in testing thyroid levels and the like, venipuncture may be your best bet.

One consideration that does not need to be part of your decision-making is accuracy. The Cholestech LDX, our fingerstick testing equipment of choice, is used by doctors and hospitals every day. But don't just take my word for it. In clinical tests (PDF), the LDX provided results that were in close agreement with a commercial laboratory.

It's important to work with a vendor who understands both fingerstick and venipuncture, and we're happy to offer both options for our clients. But if you're concerned about accuracy, rest assured that both methods are equally reliable.

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Wellness Corporate Solutions is a nationwide provider of employee wellness programs and biometric screenings. We offer this blog to help benefits brokers, HR managers and others in the wellness industry stay current.

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